The Microsoft Surface RT tablet has been on the market for a few months, and so far hasn't put up big sales numbers. While Surface RT is aimed at consumers and isn’t backwards compatible with the colossal Windows application library, Microsoft will also be launching the Surface Pro tablet which runs the more business-friendly Windows 8 operating system.

There've been plenty of hints dropped by Microsoft on when people interested in the Surface Pro will be able to buy the tablet, but nothing firm. As close as Microsoft has come to a firm launch date has been the month of January. With January here many businesses are wondering when specifically they can get their hands on the tablet.

While a specific launch date remains unannounced, CNET reports that calls to a number of Microsoft Stores have come up with a consensus of January 26. January 26 would be roughly 90 days after the launch of the Surface RT tablet, which would go along with other rumors for the tablet’s launch.

We already know that the Surface Pro tablet will be far from cheap with the 64 GB version selling for $899 and 128 GB version selling for $999. The tablet uses an Intel Ivy Bridge processor, has a 10.6-inch screen with full HD resolution, and has a Mini DisplayPort for an external monitor.

Yeah, it's just a little too rich for my blood. If it came with one of the keyboard covers (hard or soft) it would be a better value and I would be sorely tempted, but at this price, I cannot justify it. Yes, you are getting a decent system for the price (Core i5, 4GB, 1080p display), but with lower battery life than most all tablets out now.

I'm thinking the next gen will be the sweet spot; hopefully better efficiency and (presumably) sort out any manufacturing issues that arise with a first-gen product.

There are already rumors flying around about the surface pro2 and if they are true MS is going the AMD route and that is nothing I will never consider especially since it almost seems the pro1 will have better hardware. It seems like the pro1 will be the sweet spot and hopefully the pro3 will be perfect.

I think it's fairly priced and I, personally, would have no problem spending the money on it. And could afford it. Unfortunately my wife and I don't share the same philosophy when it comes to spending money on tech. While I could argue that it would be helpful for work, which it would, I have learned to choose my battles. And I'm not convinced that this version is worth that battle with the newer ones coming out sometime in the second half of this year. I think I'll wait for V2 before I wage that war.

Now if my company will purchase it? I'd give up the Ultrabook I have for travel in a second, and it's the same price. So I might be able to swing it. I'd even agree to doing the reimbursement program so they pay for 70% of it. I could probably talk my wife into $1100.